(GBMP Inc.: Boston) -- “Easier, Better, Faster, Cheaper: How Do We Improve?” is the theme of the sixth annual Northeast Shingo Prize Conference, which will take place Oct. 19–20 at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, Rhode Island.

(Instron: Norwood, MA) -- Instron announces its new line of universal materials testing equipment.

(The Modal Shop: Cincinnati) -- Major parts recalls cost a company more than just money. A damaged reputation can be a large, long-term loss, negatively affecting sales for years to come—especially if the recalled parts are safety-critical.

(Pilgrim Software: Tampa, FL) -- New food safety regulations moving through the U.S. Congress, combined with the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), demand greater safety management by food processors.

(Pointools: London) -- Software from Pointools is being used to create 3-D walk-through models to explore the viability of laser scanning on the moon and Mars.

During the 1996 Summer Olympics, I saw a young athlete with his brand-new silver medal around his neck and a massive smile on his face. He was so thrilled with his achievement that he was mixing and mingling with everyone he met on the sidewalk.